Would reacting to paints, adhesives be in this profile.
I was got really ill from a sink product, it was to unclogg the drain......
It was embarassing........
The Doctor looked like he was trying not laugh........
I now think it was funny, but when I was ill.

I don't know what they intend. I have Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, which are not true allergies, but are genuine reactions to things like fragrances, accelerants, cleaning chemicals, certain chemicals like PPD and leather tanning chemicals, etc.

I also have typical (IgE) allergies to things like nickel (an element, so more simple than a chemical), certain drugs (diphenhydramine), natural rubber latex, etc.

ygg

_________________~*~*~ That which does not kill me only gives me hives. ~*~*~

Out of curiosity, does anyone have any information about what a chemical sensitivity is? I don't understand the difference between a chemical sensitivity and an allergy. i.e. if the reaction doesn't involve IgE what does it involve?

While I don't react too strongly to any one chemical, certain perfumes set off sneezing fits. As well, I am probably sensitive to various clothing dies--occasionally feel like I'm coming down with a cold when shopping for clothes, especially if I spend a lot of time in the shoe department in a large department store. Freshly painted walls cause respiratory problems for awhile. I feel unwell after long car trips---but maybe I'm just motion sick, who knows. Does anyone else have problems with driving long distances?

I recently changed my bathroom cleaning routine since I usually feel like I have a hangover the morning after a dissipated evening of cleaning. I now scrub the tub and shower daily with a cheap shampoo and find that I don't actually need the harsh cleaners. I use either shampoo or vinegar on the sink too.

The doctors don't always know or understand about environmental allergies including allergies to things like paint, perfumes, gas fumes, chemical cleaners, etc. They are, or can be, real allergies for some people. If I don't get my oxygen shortly after I start a reaction my reaction can go from blotches to tightening in the throat to slurred speach and into a seizure. Some doctors acknowledge the problem, some just kind of push me aside and don't want to be bothered. I have found that more doctors are becoming informed about these allergies and are more willing now to take it serious than 10 years ago.

Yes, I too react the perfumes by sneezing or having a asthma attack.
I clean my bathroom with vingear also, I use some baking soda with it.
I even use vingear for my floors.
I know my Doctor calls it a sensitivie like you all have said.
I know that oil paint is really bad for me has been for about 20 years
Even my GP sneezes at perfumes that some of the old ladies wear
He told me in last 5 years he has seen an increase in the number of people who react to perfumes etc.

I think that all of us with allergies are like the proverbial canary in a mineshaft---our overreactive immune systems are a sign that we as a society really need to clean up our act. All the chemicals in our environment probably cause all sorts of health problems that we aren't aware of yet.

I'm just having a difficult time right now with all the problems that come from my environmental and food sensitivity problems. Mostly, I'm wondering if there is anyone out there with memory problems like mine. I suffer from 'brain fog' and have trouble retaining information, and often can't repeat things I've read or heard. I find this a really depressing part of my problems.
When I do really dumb things, I get very angry with myself. I have tried many therapies and supplements, and nothing seems to help.

Thanks to Allergic Livings 'chat room' at least I now have a place to sound off, with people who perhaps understand.

I've wondered about this too. I definitely noticed a big difference today, for example--the humidity and air pollution has cleared out, and I'm feeling much more mentally alert.

I have a good memory for what I read (but not as good for things that I hear) but I have a really difficult time remembering names especially under pressure. Also, I just have a tough time getting organized enough to get out the door on time and remembering to bring everything with me. And I can't carry on a conversation when getting ready for the day...then finding things is just hopeless. This could just be the way my mind works---I'm good at concentrating on one task, but I can't multi task at all. Someone once joked that if I began to get Alzheimer's in my old age no one would notice at first. ha ha. very funny. I have wondered whether any of this is connected to environmental allergies. I have allergic rhinitis all year round.

I also have chemical allergies. this is one of my stories:
One of my worse reactions was from my Husband . It was when he had a pocket knife in side a green garbage bag inside a knapsack, and then forgot to remove the knife. He then a few months later went to go to find this knife. He brought it in to the house. I had to be taken to the hospitial. The Tear Gas made me so ill I had to have adrenelin in the hosp with all the other stuff.My Gp was so upset he could not get over how badly I reacted and that it was a total mistake. All the poor guy did was bring the knife into the house He does not even react at all from Tear Gas he does not even tear up !

Lysol spray and other sprays also bother me they get my asthma acting up and I will have that cough and wheeze at the sametime. Very painful.

I also have a hangover at times from something and do not know what is from....
Kelly

I'm just having a difficult time right now with all the problems that come from my environmental and food sensitivity problems. Mostly, I'm wondering if there is anyone out there with memory problems like mine. I suffer from 'brain fog' and have trouble retaining information, and often can't repeat things I've read or heard. I find this a really depressing part of my problems.
When I do really dumb things, I get very angry with myself. I have tried many therapies and supplements, and nothing seems to help.

Thanks to Allergic Livings 'chat room' at least I now have a place to sound off, with people who perhaps understand.

Heather O.

i am chemical sensitive and when i have been exposed to perfume or something else that effects me i have problems with my memory, it feels like my brain has really slowed down. i only found out i was sensitive to things because as i got worse i was often feeling really awful, lethargic, pains in neck and i couldn't think easy at times and eventually my doctor sugested seeing an allergy specialist.
avoidance seems to be the only thing that works for me.

This sounds like Post Traumatic Stress to me. After my daughters first full blown anaphylaxis reaction, where I came home to find the supper cooking on the stove, the tv on and yet noo one was home...I had these odd brain fg symptoms for weeks as well.

At first I thought I'd picked up some bug at the hospital. I felt like I wsn't getting enough oxygen because I couldn't think clearly no matter how hard I tried to focus.

Quote:

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an emotional illness that develops as a result of a terribly frightening, life-threatening, or otherwise highly unsafe experience.

and...

Quote:

PTSD symptoms vary among individuals and also vary in severity from mild to disabling. PTSD Symptoms can include one or more of the following:

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